TIPS Volunteers

TIPS (Truro International Programs & Services) has been Truro Anglican’s “Bridge to the International Community” for more than 35 years. TIPS seeks to meet and serve the practical, cultural/educational, social, and spiritual needs of international students, visiting scholars, immigrants, international professional workers and diplomats, refugees, and other international guests to the Northern VA/DC area.  With the advent of virtual classes since March 2020, TIPS now includes students joining in from other countries around the world as well.

The heart of TIPS is our ESOL classes.

We have two sets of classes – morning and evening

TIPS Summer Programs – June 6-July 27, 2022

Email Myra Hinote at [email protected] for more information.  An application and training is required

Conversation Club

Mondays (Online from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm EDT) June 6th to July 25th.

Tuesdays (In person from 10:00 am to 11:15 pm) June 7th to July 26th.

The perfect opportunity for our students to practice their conversational English skills while also learning about our culture and sharing about their own!  Each week, we will pick a different topic for discussion.  Some weeks, we will do a short reading together and then discuss it.  We will offer this Monday evenings on Zoom from 7:00-8:15pm and Tuesday mornings in-person at Truro from 10:00-11:15.  No prep work needed for volunteers, just help facilitate discussion and offer gentle corrections.

Christianity Explored

Wednesday evenings from 7:15-8:45 on Zoom (June 8th to July 27th)

This course will explore the basics of Christianity while doing a study of the book of Mark.  We encourage students of all faiths (or no faith) to attend and to ask questions and explore Christianity for themselves in a safe environment. 

One-to-One Conversation Partners

This popular program matches one native English speaker with one ESOL student.  The two of you agree to meet 6 times over the course of the summer (June-August), at a time and place that is convenient for both of you.  Popular places to meet include coffee shops or parks.  This is a great way for our students to practice their English skills in a real-life situation, and a wonderful opportunity for both partners to share about their cultures and build friendships.  We are in particular need of women who are willing to meet via Zoom (or some other online platform) with students who currently live in other countries.

Family-to-Family

Wednesday evenings from 7:15-8:45 on Zoom (June 8th to July 27th)

This program matches one American family with one international family.  The American family will invite the international family over for dinner, and then they will return the favor  While we encourage you to go to each other’s houses, you may also meet in a restaurant.  Family-to-family is a great way to involve your whole family in TIPS!

Email Myra Hinote at [email protected] for more information, or sign up now to volunteer at: https://bit.ly/TIPSSummer2022VolSignup.  An application and training is required.

Regular Classes

Morning Class Volunteer Schedule

Morning Classes meet in person at Truro Anglican Church on Tuesdays & Thursdays:

  • Volunteer Meeting*: 9:15-9:50am
  • ESOL Class*: 10:00-11:30am (volunteers join at 9:50)
  • Conversation & Culture: Tuesdays from 12:15-1:30pm
  • Exploring Faith (hybrid): Thursdays from 12:15-1:30pm

*-required for all volunteers assisting on that day

Evening Class Volunteer Schedule

Evening Classes meet virtually via Zoom on Mondays & Wednesdays:

  • Volunteer Meeting*: 6:30-7:05pm
  • ESOL Classes*: 7:15-8:45pm (volunteers join at 7:05)



*-required for all volunteers assisting on that day

Morning Classes

Morning Classes meet in person at Truro Anglican Church on Tuesdays & Thursdays:

  • Volunteer Meeting*: 9:15-9:50am
  • ESOL Class*: 10:00-11:30am (volunteers join at 9:50)
  • Conversation & Culture (hybrid): Tuesdays from 12:15-1:30pm
  • Exploring Faith (hybrid): Thursdays from 12:15-1:30pm



*-required for all volunteers assisting on that day

Evening Classes

Evening Classes meet virtually via Zoom on Mondays & Wednesdays:

  • Volunteer Meeting*: 6:30-7:05pm
  • ESOL Classes*: 7:15-8:45pm (volunteers join at 7:05)



*-required for all volunteers assisting on that day

Volunteer Positions

ESOL Classes:

Lead Teacher

Either alone or as a part of a teaching team, this person prepares and presents the lessons, assigns homework, corrects work, etc.  Most teachers employ a model of teaching for a few minutes, going into small groups for practice or exercises, returning to the main class for more teaching, back to small groups, etc.

Assistants

Most volunteers serve as assistants.  These people assist the lead teachers as needed.  They welcome students as they arrive, sit in on the class, demonstrate conversations, and serve as breakout group leaders.  During these breakout groups, they follow the teacher’s instructions on how to conduct the relevant exercises, and practice active listening and encouragement.  There is no preparation needed to serve as an assistant – just show up and be willing to help!  Assistants do need to purchase a student book, so that they can follow along with the lesson and conduct the relevant exercises.

Other Positions:

Hospitality

Assist with student check-in for our in-person classes, help set up refreshments, help with special events, provide lunch between classes on Tuesday or Thursday, etc.

Assist refugees or new immigrants with a job search

Conversation & Culture

This class is a discussion class, designed to give our students an opportunity to practice their English conversational skills and to encourage an exchange of ideas and a sharing of cultures.  Each class will begin with a short (10-15 minute) presentation on the topic of the day, then the volunteers and students will be divided into breakout rooms for the discussion time.  A few minutes before the end of the class, the groups will all come together and one student from each group will have an opportunity to share something interesting that their group discussed.  

Volunteers serve as small group discussion leaders.  They are responsible for having the discussion questions handy (they will be emailed out at least a day in advance), and for ensuring an even and equitable flow of conversation.  Practicing active listening, they should encourage all students to participate and facilitate a lively discussion.  No prior preparation is required.

Exploring Faith, Alpha ESOL, and other opportunities will recruit volunteers as needed.

For more information or to sign up, contact Myra Hinote at [email protected],  call 334-301-0721

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Due to inclement weather, the Truro campus will be closed on Friday, January 19.

Questions? Email [email protected].